2019 Cape York & Torres Strait

11-13

Discover the stunning Cape York region at a leisurely pace

Day 1: Thursday - Brisbane to Cairns

Guests on CAPE13 will depart Brisbane on the Spirit of Queensland for an overnight rail journey to Cairns. Overnight Spirit of Queensland Rail Bed (CAPE13 guests only)

Day 2: Friday - Cairns

Guests on CAPE11 will join the tour after lunch. On arrival in Cairns, transfer to your hotel for an afternoon check-in. At the Welcome Dinner tonight, meet fellow travellers and hear all about the adventures ahead with a comprehensive tour orientation by our Savannah Guides Master Operator driver and host. Overnight Rydges Esplanade, Cairns

Day 3-4: Saturday-Sunday - Cooktown

We travel north along one of Australia’s most scenic coastal drives towards the World Heritage-Listed Daintree National Park, crossing the mighty Daintree River by cable ferry. Visit the world-class Daintree Discovery Centre for an excellent introduction into the wonders of the Daintree Rainforest. Follow the famous Bloomfield Track on an amazing journey hugging the scenic Daintree Coast to Cooktown. Cooktown is the place where Lieutenant James Cook beached the Endeavour in 1770 after striking the Great Barrier Reef. Join a local custodian for an insightful tour of their ancestral rock art sites. They will share the stories behind the art, giving you a real insight into Aboriginal society and spirituality. 2 nights River of Gold Motel, Cooktown

Day 5: Monday - Archer River

We travel along the Mulligan Highway to the mysterious Black Mountains, of cultural significance for the Kaku Yalanji people. Enjoy morning tea at the popular Lakeland coffee house en route to Laura and Split Rock it’s sandstone escarpments dating back 14,000 years. We continue on via Musgrave Station to Coen and the Quarantine Station, before arriving at Archer River. Overnight Archer River Roadhouse

Day 6-7: Tuesday-Wednesday - Weipa

We drive around 50km north of Archer River to the turnoff for the bauxite mining town of Weipa. Weipa area was the first stretch of the Australian coastline ever explored by Europeans. Join a local guided tour of the Weipa Bauxite Mine, the largest of its kind in the world. Cruise the mouth of the Gulf of Carpentaria on an Eco Tour for a chance to spot wildlife and to hear commentary about the beautiful ecosystems and local culture. 2 nights Albatross Bay Resort, Weipa

Day 8-9: Thursday-Friday - Bamaga

We travel along the Batavia Downs Station Road to Moreton Telegraph Station on the Wenlock River, passing through the Heathlands Resources Reserve and Bramwell Station. Driving on some of the original sections of the Old Telegraph Track to the lush Fruit Bat Falls with its crystal-clear water (croc free), a perfect swimming spot and one of the most special places on the Cape. Experience the highlights of Cape York Peninsula, one of Australia’s last great wilderness areas with relaxed cruising between Seisia, Possession Island and Frangipani Bay (weather permitting). The 15-20 minute walk over the rocky headland to ‘The Tip’ of Cape York requires a good level of fitness. We stand at the very tip of our continent, the most northerly point of Australia and savour a picnic lunch at Somerset Beach with views to Albany Island. 2 nights Cape York Peninsula Lodge, Bamaga

Day 10: Saturday - Torres Strait Islands

Cruise the beautiful turquoise waters of the Endeavour Strait to Thursday Island, one of 274 islands which lie between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea. Discover Thursday Island’s hidden past, including Green Hill Fort, on a guided history tour. Join a special tour experience to Friday Island and the Kazu Pearl Farm. Learn about the cultivation, seeding and harvesting of the oyster followed by a delicious Japanese lunch. Overnight Gateway Torres Strait Resort, Horn Island

Day 11: Sunday - Cairns

Join local guides on a tour of the World War II sites, including gun emplacements, an underground command post and an aircraft wreck with an unbelievable story. Walk in the steps of traditional owners, the Kaurareg People, and learn their stories. Transfer to the airport for our return QantasLink flight to Cairns. Overnight Rydges Esplanade, Cairns

Day 12: Monday - Cairns to Brisbane

Guests on CAPE11 will conclude the Cape York & Torres Strait adventure after breakfast with a complimentary transfer to your homeward bound connections. Guests on CAPE13 will transfer to the Cairns Railway Station to join the Spirit of Queensland for a first-class overnight journey back to Brisbane. Overnight Spirit of Queensland Rail Bed (CAPE13 guests only)

*Rail subject to availability. Rail price based on return Aust. Govt. Senior Card Holder fares in a Rail Bed on the Spirit of Queensland between Brisbane and Cairns. Please ask for Queensland Pensioner and Full Adult rail fares.

Customer Reviews

“

An awesome experience!
Our group returned on Thursday from an outstanding Cape York and Torres Strait tour. Our tour guides, the Dynamic Duo, Kathy and Brett, were the best guides by far, of any other tour guides, I have encountered on my travels. Their knowledge of the area we travelled was second to none. Their consideration and thoughtfulness was felt and appreciated by everyone on our tour. One would be very hard pressed to find anything to complain about on this tour. The knowledge shared by our guides along the way was priceless, the scenery was spectacular, the accommodation was very good, the food was plentiful (huge meals) and good quality and the coach was very comfortable. My travelling companions were awesome and we all had a fantastic time. Again, can't praise Kathy and Brett enough. What an asset they are to OAT. Thanks for the memories.

Geraldine, Brisbane

Plan Ahead & Save

Book early and take advantage of our following saving options

Early

Emu Offer

Book and pay deposit by 31 Dec 2018 and save up to $400pp on selected 2019 tour departures.

Past

Passenger Savings

Past passengers enjoy Early Emu Offers on all 2019 tour departures if they book and pay deposit before 31 Dec 2018.

Travel

with Friends & Save*

When six or more people book a holiday of 6 days or more together, you will each receive $150pp off your tour price.

Second

Tour Discount**

Save 10% per person on the land portion of any of our extended tours when you purchase two of them.

Outback Aussie Tours

Alan and Sue Smith are proudly born and bred Western Queenslanders. Together with their Outback Aussie Tours team, they delight in sharing the natural and cultural beauties that this area of Australia’s Outback has to offer.